What's the deal with Fonte?

It's good news that we have offered this but not so good that he hasn't signed it.
However just as important, have we offered Romeo a new one yet?
Would like to see McQueen tied down too ASAP as have been so impressed with him

 

I think we should be much more concerned about this than about Fonte.

The worry about José is mostly around cover if we suffer injuries - we have cover for day-to-day rotation in the form of Maya. It's a short-term problem that can be resolved promptly if necessary. If we're thinking of letting Fonte go then we have someone lined up to replace him. I honestly don't see replacing Jose at 33 with equal quality as a major issue; his form will start to decline. His value as an icon, I accept, is different.

However, Oriol is showing himself to be high class and improving so I expect some top-drawer interest in him. My worry about him is that he might prove to be extremely difficult to replace if he goes. Plus, as his contract is only 18 months long (shortest in the team bar Cuco, I think), we'll be over a barrel at the end of the season. Someone on here told me he was only offered a contract in the last international break so with a bit of luck he's thinking it over. I hope so.

Vin

 

Definitely need to get Romeu and McQueen to sign new contracts. I am disappointed in Fonte daring to hint that he might not wish to stay here until he is taken away in a box. Hard to regain that ground. Like a lover daring to say you might not be quite the beauty at forty that you were at twenty....not all the grovelling in the world can erase that from the memory....so beware, lads

 

I want Fonte to stay primarily out of sentiment and the journey we've been on with him, secondly because he still has something to offer us as a player. However, I will not be disappointed if he leaves us as a player either in January (I don't think he will) or next summer. He is nearing the end of his career and we will bring a replacement through or in. For me it was important he stayed in the summer just because it may have been one change too many. He's done that and now, whatever will be will be.

 

We still need to see how good Gardos is. He played 90 minutes the other day so hopefully we will see something of him soon. I know some have written him off but I think it's too early for that. We've also get Stephens to try to fit in somewhere. If we keep VVD for another season he will be a great influence on these two.

 

Good point, well made. Concerned about your lover analogy. My missus says I am the same magnificent creature she married 50 odd years ago. Must dash. She's got her Specsavers appointment.

It's strange how last summer I was quite upset at the thought of Fonte going. I'm over it. If he can get a big pay day to end his career, then good luck to him. He can leave us with some great memories - scoring against Brighton and then getting the second goal against Coventry are still moments that can warm a winter's evening.

 

And McCarthy out on loan, getting good experience. (Anyone know if he is still being used primarily as a full back?)

 

Yep, he's playing RB at Walsall, I still see him as the long term solution to that problem position for us.

 

Hard to see a come back from a blunder like that...It would require the contents of a few dozen florists to even begin the thawing out process I reckon.

 

Florists? I think I'd be talking to jewellers and car dealers!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'd be talking to prospective new Mrs Laces'...

 

Pretty sure people said the exact same thing about Lallana a few season back...

 

I still see him as a cb, who is being taught the same way Chambers was.

 

I like Gardos a person and have chatted to him a few times. But for me we need to move him on. When Fonte either leaves or retires we need a replacement.

I would like something like this:

Van Dijk
New player
Yoshida
Stephens/McCarthy

 

Haven't heard anything about Romeo or McQueen sorry.

 

Agree with Beefy. Gardos was behind Yoshida in the pecking order before his injury. I'd be very surprised if he's become a better player after the injury.

 

Can we just not mention his name, everytime we do it seems he breaks another of his stick like legs or a joint explodes. I bet tackling him in training is stressful.

 

Alfie Jones looked a good player in the CheckaJPT. He had a better game than Gardos.

 

Why I wouldn't mind moving him on. We have quite a few good young cbs, who deserve a chance. But Gardos is blocking their chance.

 

Woods has always looked decent, the times I have watched the academy.